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He muttered some Italian and I approached him. “Whistle at me again, and I’ll hang you by your tongue.” I assured in a whisper and he grinned, taking my hand to place it on his crotch.

I yanked my hand away and brushed past him, walking straight to my bedroom. Sick fuck. Of course he’d like that.

As soon as I was in my bedroom I started plotting on how to get out but if Antonio De Luca made up his mind, there was no changing it. He wouldn’t surely force me to… no. I repeatedly shook my head, trying to suppress my panic.

I wanted to text Silvia, but on off days, no one was allowed near or inside the house without his permission. I nibbled my bottom lip then texted Kiryl. He’d most definitely have way more leeway.

After five minutes I started getting suspicious and texted him again… and again… and again… and— I groaned, tossing my cellphone on my bed. Kiryl was the one to answer my text before I’d even type it out. Clearly Daddy Daycare had his men under strict orders today. Fine.

I jumped up and crept toward my bedroom door. I peeked my head out, waiting until he finally descended the stairs.

Quietly, I tip-toed down the hallway and toward his office. I reached for the door handle and exhaled with relief when it opened.

With my hands on my hips I scanned his empty office then walked over to the shelves on my right, flipping everything off one by one. Glass shattered at my feet as I walked and when I reached the display of his alcohol bottles I grabbed them, two at a time and hurled them into any wall I set my eyes on.

Finally, I grabbed the last two and drenched his desk before tossing the bottles across the room. Would it have been easier to just down the alcohol instead? Yes. But was it dramatic enough? No. Not to mention, after last night’s drinking, I wouldn’t even be able to lift the bottle to my mouth without throwing up.

Reaching down I yanked open every drawer until I finally found a box of matches.

I blew out a heavy breath, sending a few strands of my hair flying out of my face. With a grin I swiped the matchstick, watching it burn as the office door opened.

Antonio stood in the doorway, hands fisted at his sides.

“Nirah—”

“Oops.” I let the burning match fall from my fingers.

The harsh flames engulfed his desk as I stepped back, my back hitting the wall.

I watched him through the flames—furrowed brows and the fire reflecting off of his eyes.

He stepped inside, and I rounded his burning desk, stopping beside him. Slowly, he turned his head to me and I leaned up to whisper, “Open the doors… or you’re next.” Then, I leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek before leaving his office.

CHAPTER 23

Antonio

I wasn’t the biggest fan of being out in public, especially for something as trivial as… shopping. But when it involved Nirah, what I liked or even had interest in clearly didn’t matter.

We were in our sixth store because as her trusted bodyguard, I had an obligation to quietly follow her around and carry all her bags. Not Kiryl. Not Koren. Not even Kiril. Me.

As we exited the store she slammed another bag to my chest and I caught it just in time, watching her strut through the doors as though I was her… slave.

The muscle under my right eye violently twitched and I followed her out, feeling ashamed of the man I’d become. I didn’t deserve this. Two days ago she burned my office to the ground and now I was taking her on a shopping spree…

“Nirah—“

“Did you bring your wallet?” She cut me off, whipping around to face me.

“My right pocket,” I answered and she stepped awfully close as she slipped her hand down the right pocket of my slacks, her eyes never leaving mine.

If I had moved merely an inch our lips would touch, and that alone sent my heart racing out of control.

She opened my wallet, pulled out my card and slipped my wallet back into my pocket. “Less talking, more walking.” She nodded, then turned on her heels, heading to only God knows where.

After Kiryl brought it to my attention that she informed him of her shopping trip today, I transferred a large sum of money into her account, not knowing that I’d be joining her. By force.

With a deep inhale, I slowly exhaled. Not having a choice, I followed her and when we entered the store that sparkled with every kind of diamond, I instantly knew why now, my card was needed.